Prelims: IMC 2026, Hyderabad, M4FS, 4F-5F, ICAR-IIMR and CIMMYT.
Why in the News
The first International Maize Conference (IMC 2026) began on 2 November 2026 at the JD Convention Centre in Hyderabad. The theme of the conference, running from 2 to 4 November, is "Maize Revolution for Food, Feed, Fodder, Fuel and Sustainability in the Changing World" (M4FS). Its inauguration was confirmed in the 2 November reports of the Press Information Bureau and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Key Facts of the Conference
- Venue and duration: Hyderabad, Telangana; 2-4 November 2026.
- Main organiser: Maize Technologists Association of India (MTAI).
- Cooperation in organisation: Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research.
- Main themes: higher yields, nutritional quality, a better seed system, efficient use of resources, mechanisation and maize's role in food and energy security.
From 4F to 5F: Keeping the Farmer at the Centre
The four uses of maize are called Food, Feed, Fodder and Fuel. Of these, Food means human food, Feed animals' diet, Fodder forage and Fuel use as fuel. At the conference, ICAR Director General Dr. M. L. Jat emphasised making this 4F vision a 5F by adding Farmers. The meaning is that the benefit of research and agricultural extension should be visible in the farmer's income and livelihood.
The distinction for the exam: M4FS is the abbreviated form of the conference theme. 5F is a suggestion for a farmer-centred vision. It should not be taken as the changed official name of the conference or any new government scheme.
What Was Said on Production and Research
According to the official report, India's maize production was mentioned as reaching about 5.5 crore tonnes. Dr. Jat called for raising it to 7.5 crore tonnes in the next decade and increasing productivity by one and a half times. This is a target-suggestion made at the conference, not an achieved result.
To close the yield gap, emphasis was laid on better crop management, technology and resource efficiency. While expanding maize in different seasons and agro-ecological zones, it was also said that pulses and oilseeds should not be compromised. The availability of affordable, quality seed, especially public-sector hybrid seeds, was part of this discussion.
The Importance of Institutions and Technologies
ICAR is the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. ICAR-IIMR is the institute associated with maize research. CIMMYT's full name is the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.
The conference discussed resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses along with higher yields and nutritional quality. Diseases and pests are linked to biotic stresses, while environmental conditions such as drought and heat are examples of abiotic stresses. Importance was also given to seed production, mechanisation and cooperation among research institutions, universities and industry.
Significance for the Exam
The conference's first edition, Hyderabad, M4FS, the difference between 4F and 5F, and the identity of ICAR-IIMR and CIMMYT are the key facts. While reading agricultural diversification and energy use, connect the needs of food, animal feed and fuel with the farmer's income and sustainable farming. The organisers' website has described a "Hyderabad Declaration" as an expected outcome; it has not been treated as a declaration already issued.
Prelims Practice Questions
Question 1. Consider the following statements regarding the International Maize Conference 2026:
Statement 1: Its first edition was held in Hyderabad.
Statement 2: The M4FS theme includes food, feed, fodder, fuel and sustainability.
Statement 3: The conference emphasised including Farmers under the 5F vision.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (d) All three statements are correct. The first conference is in Hyderabad on 2-4 November 2026. The theme is M4FS. The ICAR Director General emphasised a 5F vision by adding Farmers to the traditional 4F.
Question 2. What is CIMMYT mainly associated with?
(a) International rice research
(b) International maize and wheat improvement
(c) Marine fisheries resource management
(d) Wildlife trade control
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (b) CIMMYT's full name is the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. It is an international centre for maize and wheat improvement and is among the conference's partner organisers.
Sources
- Press Information Bureau, 2 November 2026: inauguration of the conference and farmer-centred research
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research: production, productivity and the seed system
- The conference's official website: theme, organisers and expected outcome
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